BRINGING
History TO
Life
WWW.PBTC.NET
2 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2018
MARCH 2018
contents
VOL 14 | NO 3
Departments
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten
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Around Town Local news and events
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Always an Adventure Double dose of puppy love
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Moore on Life Dental hijinks
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Simon Says Wentzville Community Club – Celebrating 85 years
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Medical Memo Assistive technology tools to improve the everyday
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Automobile Alley 2018 Hyundai Accent brings plenty of perks to car buyers on a budget
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Food Better, healthier baking
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Photo Op St. Louis Golf Expo
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Community Calendar: March
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Copyright 2018 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.
features
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Advertiser Profile Low price, high cost: millennial fever Bringing history to life Two St. Charles County Parks volunteers earn national recognition by portraying Daniel Boone and his famous publicist at The Historic Daniel Boone Home
On the Cover: Submitted photo
MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
Come JOIN the TEAM The Disabled Athlete Sports Association recruits racers raises to help raise funds and awareness for its programs and athletes
Submitted photos DASA athlete Donovan McBride competes in a recent GO! St. Louis event.
By Brett Auten
I
t’s a fun challenge that comes with many benefits for not only yourself but for others who could really use it. The Disabled Athlete Sports Association (also known as DASA) is a charity partner of the 2018 GO! St. Louis for the Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend slated for April 6-8. Through this partnership, DASA recruits participants to run or walk in several of the weekend’s races and while doing so, raises funds and raise awareness for its programs and athletes. “With our athletes, there is already
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so much cost involved, and without these type of fundraisers we can’t help them achieve their goals,” Lauren Krebs, DASA Program, and Development Manager said. “GO! St. Louis is a unique dynamic in that our athletes can participate right next to able-bodied participants.” DASA’s home base is in St. Peters, and it is a nonprofit organization specializing in therapeutic sport and fitness opportunities. The athletes of DASA are encouraged to seek their highest level of independence and become involved to the fullest extent with their non-dis-
abled peers and their community as a whole. GO! St. Louis is a founding member of USA Today Sports Active Alliance. The alliance is a network of the country’s top 16 independent marathons, each meeting the gold standard of endurance events. Each race individually possesses its unique history and challenges. As the largest competitive fitness event in Missouri, this popular two-day event attracts more than 25,000 participants and includes races for all ages and fitness abilities. The race will once again be
Around Town staged in front of the historic Arch Grounds on the riverfront. Start at the Gateway Arch and make your way into Illinois and back in St. Louis for a historic tour of Soulard with views of AnheuserBusch Brewery along your way. Then, marathoners head to Tower Grove Park and Forest Park before heading back downtown to finish on the historic riverfront under the Arch. “Our main goal is to get more runners to run for Team DASA,” Krebs said. “We need more people on our team.” DASA team members receive a free entry in the race of their choice, a team DASA race shirt, and many other incentives for joining. With a fundraising minimum for individuals set at $150, there are several benefits of being a Team GO! DASA member. Not only is there no entry fee to sign up for the race of your choice (participants have a choice between 5K, 7K, half marathon, marathon, or marathon relay) but also a Personalized GO! for a Cause Fundraising link and a complimentary training program by Big River Running Company. Along with the benefits of having a team supporting you all the way to race day, you will receive VIP treatment on
race day. There are several degrees of prize options available. For individual entry only, when you raise $250 you receive a $50 gift card to Academy Sports. If you raise $500 you earn a $100 gift card to Big River, and if you raise $1000, you earn a two-hour massage. If you simply refer a friend you receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks. If you are interested in having a team running for Team DASA, here are the following stipulations: 2-4 team members: fundraising minimum $500; 5-8 team members: fundraising minimum $800; 9-12 team members: fundraising minimum $1,200 13+ team members: fundraising minimum $2,000. Prizes for team entry only include every $1000 raised over the team’s fundraising minimum the team will receive an Amazon Gift Card of $150. The Amazon gift card will be issued to the team captain. For more information on how you can participate, contact Lauren at 618-9799917 or laurenk@dasasports.org.
DASA athlete Josh Eckoff competes in a recent GO! St. Louis event.
WWW.PIGCCO.NET
New church opens in Wentzville On December 17, 2017, Covenant Family Church began meeting at 602 Meyer Road in Wentzville. Covenant Family Church was founded in Troy in 2004 as a church committed to the gospel of Christ and the authority of Scripture for faith, worship, and life. Over the past year, the church has sought to relocate to the more centrally-located Wentzville. Now that it has found a facility, it looks forward to serving this community through instruction, fellowship and service. At the same time, the church has been searching for a new pastor, its former pastor having retired near the end of 2016. It is nearing the end of this search and hopes to have its new pastor by spring. Covenant Family Church now meets on Sundays at 11 a.m. for the regular worship service, followed by a potluck-style fellowship meal and then a time of instruction and prayer. Visitors are welcome to join for as much of the day as they would like. The church is a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), a denomination which is committed to historic Christianity as articulated by the Westminster Confession of Faith. For more information about Covenant Family Church visit covenantfamilychurch. net or call 636-466-5272.
www.TaorminasFamilyRestaurant.com MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
Visit with the Easter Bunny, hunt eggs and play games at the Youth Activity Park The Easter Bunny is coming to the Youth Activity Park (YAP) in Dardenne Prairie March 24. To celebrate his arrival, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting several age-specific egg hunts and activities for children of all abilities. This fun-filled program is free, but space is limited and registration required. Bring your basket and join us for the YAP Annual Egg Hunt and the third annual EGGstravaganza for children with disABILITIES, cohosted by the parks department and the St. Charles County Police Department. Rain or shine, more than 8,000 candy and toy-filled eggs will be hidden throughout the park’s 25-acre facility for the hunts. Each age group is in the hunt for a golden egg, and the lucky discoverer receives the grand prize. Photos with the Easter Bunny and egg-themed games will round out the activities. The Chick-FilA Cow also makes a special appearance. Families are encouraged to bring their camera to capture these special moments. YAP Annual Egg Hunt Three age-appropriate hunts begin in the morning: • 11 a.m., ages 3 and under • 11:30 a.m., ages 4–6 • Noon, ages 7–12 EGGstravaganza for children with disABILITIES In the afternoon, children with sensory, mobility and visual disabilities are invited to participate in one of four hunts: • 1 p.m., children 12 and under with sensory disabilities • 1:30 p.m., children 12 and under with mobility disabilities • 2 p.m., children 12 and under with visual disabilities • 2:30 p.m., children 13 and older with disabilities.
WWW.PROACTIVEPRINTSERVICES.COM 6 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2018
Children with mobility equipment will hunt for eggs using magnetic sticks; those with visual disabilities will hunt beeping eggs designed by the St. Charles County Police Bomb Squad and assembled by bomb squad officers and students from the Lutheran High School Robotics Club. Thanks to our generous sponsors, each child will take home a prize basket donated by Hayleigh’s Helping Hands and a Chick-Fil-A guest card. Batteries Plus Bulbs supplied the batteries for the beeping eggs, Kohl’s 4 Kids and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon are giving away bike helmets, Bahama Buck’s is providing free treat vouchers for children, and members of the St. Charles County Ambulance District and Cornerstone Methodist Church in O’Fallon are assisting with the hunts. Registration is limited to 100 children per hunt. Participants are encouraged to register by March 17 by calling the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535 or online at www.stccparks.org.
Advertiser Profile
Low
price, high cost: millennial fever
www.dpc4u.org
By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Here we go again! The RV show in February was the first indicator that 2018 will be another strong year for RV Sales. The rebirth of RV popularity is like, well, the rebirth of America. The label makers have a name for you guys. Baby boomers meet the millennials. As the last boomers roar out the exit in their new half-million-dollar diesel pusher, a young family enters in their tow-ready sport utility vehicle. Byerly RV celebrates 70 years in business in 2018. We have seen several generations begin and finish their RV adventures at Byerly. As for me, I’m almost out of here myself. My son, Warren, and his exceptional “family” of 65 employees will carry on the tradition, just about the time I learn how to spell millennial. I see a similarity in the cycle and try to explain to Warren the familiar low price/high cost trap that awaits many first-time buyers. Most people won’t buy the cheapest car, TV, clothes or other gadgets, but may still shop price for an RV because they don’t know what else to compare. The popularity of RVs has attracted sharks into bass country. Price is the bait, but after you are hooked and add up the total, sometimes hidden costs, the lesson is learned the hard way. The only remedy is to slow down and shop carefully. Use the internet; Google ratings, YouTube or Face-
book postings. Best advice – visit a few dealers. Most of the local, family-owned RV dealers prosper because they want your repeat business. Signs you are entering a shark tank: they want your driver’s license and ask you to fill out a credit app so they can determine which vehicles you “qualify” to look at. Access to vehicles is restricted and you feel hand-cuffed to a sales rep whose primary goal is to turn you over to the closer. When you leave, you may not get a complete disclosure of all you will be expected to pay at closing. They don’t want you to shop and it is almost impossible to pay cash. The price seems good, but you may find a lot of add-ons which, if needed or wanted, could usually be bought for less at another dealer. The difference between the perceived great price and the bottom-line cost can be huge. The real eye-opener is when you want to trade in the entry level model and find out what the bank says it’s really worth. St. Louis is fortunate to have many local, reputable, family-owned dealers. Shop locally at members of the MidWest Gateway RVDA and, of course Byerly RV, the state’s largest independent RV Dealer. For more information visit www.byerlyrv.com, Facebook or call 636-938-2000.
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MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7
Automobile Alley
Double dose of puppy love Photo by Avalanche
“Before you even head down there, make sure you have a signed, notarized contract from Staci that says she’ll only get one puppy,” my friend David said. It caught me a little by surprise, as while Staci and I had been discussing getting a dog, it had always been referred to as a singular, not plural, concept. It seemed that my friend had a more accurate big-picture view of the situation than I did. A few days later Staci was on the phone with a friend of ours who spent much of her time volunteering at the local animal shelter. Shortly thereafter, our conversations about the matter seamlessly transitioned to getting “maybe more than one” dog. The concept didn’t seem so bad; our original plan was to adopt a rescue Newfoundland. A few months of looking for one hadn’t panned out. So, a puppy was going to be the next option. “Maybe more than one” started off as the idea of us getting a puppy and a rescue Newf. The best-laid plans… The drive down to the breeder’s place went through the mountains where we hadn’t been since the late 80s. Fearing the worst, we were pleasantly surprised that this long stretch of territory had not been “Californicated.” Once at the breeder’s place, the dogs sold themselves; a bunch of magnificent-looking adult specimens were on hand outside, with 8 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2018
a couple of kiddie pools full of hopelessly cute puppies inside. We put a deposit on one of the few available pups, and looked forward to returning a few weeks later. During the interim, the conversation progressed from “maybe” getting a second dog, to which one. We returned to the breeder’s at the agreed-upon time, and took possession of our pup, a solid black-colored female followed by a discussion of any other available dogs. The potential second dog we had been interested in had already been taken, and it looked as if we might go home with just one. However, there were a couple of other black-and-white (Landseer) pups available. After a little while, Staci was seated on the ground, with our black pup and a Landseer male sitting in her lap; all three were looking directly at me. At that moment, it was obvious it was a done deal, with no further discussion necessary. We all loaded in the car and began the drive home. The trip home was decidedly less relaxing and pleasant than our prior journeys. Neither pup was terribly happy about being uprooted from its home. This anxiety manifested itself by way of pronounced gastrointestinal distress. While we were prepared for such a possibility, it was double what we had envisioned. Numerous stops for clean-up added hours to the return trip. Sleep was fragmented and elusive for the
first couple of nights at home. Our last dogs had been pretty low-maintenance during their early days. Not these two. Sometime in the wee hours during those first few nights Staci mused aloud that maybe we were having a mid-life crisis. I replied that if we weren’t before, we certainly were now. We’re getting exactly what we wanted. Despite the ragged sleep and constant clean-up, we’ve laughed more in the last couple weeks than we have in the last several months. English poet Lord Byron wrote of the Newfoundland dog “…Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices…” While I think Byron might have overlooked the Newfy’s propensity for Gluttony and Sloth, he gave an accurate assessment of the dog’s temperament. And they’re much better antidepressants than one could get at a pharmacy. BY AVALANCHE
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
Moore On Life Nonprofit Profile
Dental hijinks COME ON, ADMIT IT.
Going to the dentist is no fun. If you’re like me, you don’t like it one bit either. Oh sure, there are those few weirdos who take pleasure in pain, but they all work on Capitol Hill. So like the average nervous citizen, I do what we all do before a scary dental appointment…cancel it! I made up a very convincing excuse too. “Hi, this is Mrs. Moore. I am scheduled to come in tomorrow, but my cat is having a kidney transplant on that day and, great news, I am a perfect match to donate. So darn, unfortunately I will be cancelling my appointment.” “Nice try, Mrs. Moore. You used that excuse last time. Just how many kidneys do you plan on donating to the animal kingdom?” “Well, after this one, I will be done.” “Right. Because you will be kidney-less and lack a pulse. The choice is yours, here
or the morgue.” “Is there much difference?” “Of course, here you’ll get a free toothbrush and a pack of minty floss. All you’ll get at the morgue is a complimentary toe tag.” So I entered the office nervously and the assistant ushered me into a reclining chair. I was told I needed x-rays. The dental hygienist then plopped a heavy gray apron across my chest that felt like it was stuffed with cinderblocks. She then made a mad dash to hide behind the safety of a lead-reinforced wall across the hallway. “Hey!” I said. “Why the heck are you leaving me alone while this is going on?” “Are you kidding?! I don’t want my inner organs melted and I’d like to see my children grow up!” she shouted. “What about my organs? I have a kidney on hold for my cat!” “I can’t hear you,” she yelled. Then an invisible radiation beam of some sort was shot
into the side of my face. After a session of drilling and other types of torture, I exited to the receptionist’s desk. “I have you scheduled again for next Wednesday,” she said in a chirpy voice. “No can do. I have to donate a kidney to my cat,” I said. “Looks like you had x-rays today. Sweetie, those kidneys are toast. See you Wednesday at noon.” BY CINDY MOORE
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9
BRINGING
History TO
Life
Two St. Charles County Parks volunteers earn national recognition by portraying Daniel Boone and his famous publicist at The Historic Daniel Boone Home
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By Brett Auten
B
ringing history to life and bridging the past to the future. Two St. Charles County Parks volunteers were recently recognized on both the national and regional level for doing just that. The duo of Barney Combs, of Arnold, and Robert Pecoraro, of Cottleville, have been volunteering as historical reenactors for the past 30 years at The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance. Both received the National Association for Interpretation 2017 Outstanding Interpretive Volunteer Award last month which recognized the top interpretive volunteers from Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The men also were honored recently by Missouri Governor Eric Greitens with a special proclamation celebrating their years of volunteering at the site. For the past three decades, these Certified Interpretive Guides have been engaging audiences at the home. Combs portrays Daniel Boone, the famous Missouri frontiersman, and Pecoraro takes on the persona of John Filson, Boone’s famous publicist whose words made Boone famous.
“While the Boone Home is a beautiful building, it is a static object. It can’t talk, it can’t tell the stories of sacrifice, struggles, family, life, happiness and even death,” Combs said. “It can’t tell the story of slavery and Native Americans; those stories that are sometimes hard to tell. By portraying Daniel Boone, all of these stories can come to life.” Combs, in particular, gets a boost out of seeing the light bulb go on in the minds of the younger visitors. “It is so much more than a house tour,” he said. “To see the kids get into what we are doing rather than their phone, tablet or computer means a lot to me.” According to Pecoraro, the pair are passionate about what they do because they believe in the people they portray. “They are worthy of honorable portrayals; their experiences have applications in principles for those who live today,” he said. “They were decent men who did honorable things.” Pecoraro, 66, has done other characters in the past but he identifies with the duality of Filson, who was a surveyor, school teacher and writer but also rug-
ged and savage when need be. “Filson knew both worlds,” Pecoraro said. “He was an adventurer but also more classically educated and because so, he was underestimated and tried and every turn. Others thought of him as polished and saw that as a weakness. But underneath, he was very strong, and he used to fight threetimes his number. He was a tough, little guy.” Of all the aspects he enjoys about portraying Filson, being a consul to the past for the many visitors who come from all over the globe to the Daniel Boone Home is right up near the top. “It’s wonderful to meet people from all over the world,” Pecoraro said. “People from New Zealand and Australia and interpreters from Russia, Japan, I take pride in not only being an ambassador for the St. Charles County Parks but for our nation too.” The pair has known each other since the 1980s, and their rapport is evident. “You may forget a line, and the other is there to pick you up,” Combs said. “We work very well together. Our wives probably think ‘you’re going to be gone again?’ But it’s not for profit it’s for the enjoyment and all of the people over the years.” This isn’t the only time these two have been recognized for their passion. In 2007 Combs and Pecoraro were recognized with proclamations by former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt for their accomplishments and outstanding service in the field of historical interpretation. In 2007, they were commissioned by former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher as Kentucky Colonels. In 2017, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department presented each with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their many years dedicated to The Historic Daniel Boone Home. They received this latest national award at the annual NAI Region 6 workshop Feb. 25–28, in Grapevine, Texas. “Barney and Bob are wonderful ambassadors for The Historic Daniel Boone Home and the parks department, they bring so much knowledge and passion to all they do,” says Ryan Graham, Director of St. Charles County Parks and Recreation. “Their dedication to the site has left a lasting impact on thousands of visitors who have had the privilege to meet and learn from these gentlemen.” You can get a sneak peek of Combs and Pecoraro talking about volunteering at the 1800s home in the Active by Nature Show that was released in February. Watch the show online at www.stccparks.org or look for the link on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StCharlesCountyParks.
Submitted photos Barney Combs (taller gentleman) portrays Daniel Boone and Bob Pecoraro (in the white sleeves) portrays John Filson, Boone’s famous publicist at The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance.
MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11
Simon Says
Wentzville Community Club – Celebrating 85 years There are many people in our community that strive to make a difference, work tirelessly to keep history alive and look toward the future and how they can bring old Wentzville into the new; that’s why when I ran into Diane Ransom and Mary Tow of Wentzville, I knew I had to make their information my Simon Says for this month. Let me start by saying I have huge respect for both Diane and Mary. Diane Ransom has actively been involved with the club, Crossroads Arts Council, Wentzville Main Street Association and Historical Society; Mary can be seen around town and is involved with WASSI, Crossroads Arts Council, Wentzville Senior Center Transportation, Historical Society and Main Street Association and volunteers for Green Lantern Senior Center. They both work so hard to keep history alive but also to help bridge the gap between yesterday and today’s version of Wentzville. I was so excited to run into Diane and Mary at the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce monthly membership meeting in February. As we started to chat they asked me for some help, and holding both of these women near and dear to my heart, I couldn’t say no. Diane Ransom and Mary Tow both informed me that 2018 marks the 85th Anniversary of the Wentzville Community Club and that they would like to somehow get the word out. Diane told me she had something in writing that she could share with our readers of CrossRoads. What you about to read next is from Diane Ransom herself on her take of living in Wentzville, the history behind the club and her call to anyone interested in helping keep this 85 year-old tradition, intact for the next generation to come.
It Takes a Village
By Diane Ransom
How do you grow a city? Well, you need to start in a smaller place, like a village. When I moved to Wentzville, back in the seventies, some called it a city, but to look at it then, “village” would have been a far better description of what you would see. There wasn’t a Parkway, there wasn’t a GM plant, and there wasn’t a school district that needed to build a new school every year. I love Wentzville. I loved it then, I love it now. I fell in love with the country road that the house we bought was situated on. I fell in love with a solitary tree that stood at the edge of that road. Each season I watched that tree as it changed through its cycle of growth. In the morning, on my drive to work, the morning sun cast its light on it, showing all the detail of its bark and leaves. In the evening, I saw it silhouetted at dusk with a breathtaking horizon for a backdrop. I cried the morning I saw that it was no longer there. Back in the early 1930’s when Wentzville was truly more of a village than it was when I moved here, it was fighting the challenge of many devastating fires. At that time these fires were being fought with bucket brigades because there wasn’t a water system to provide water to the city. It was at this point that
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Simon Says the citizens of the day – business men, doctors, bankers, farmers and housewives – people from all walks of life came together to find a solution to this need. It was decided to host a homecoming to raise the money needed to bring a water system into the city. A homecoming was a very real description of what those people wanted to have happen. People sat down and wrote letters to friends and families that had moved away from the city. They told them of the need and how this event was going to take care of that need. Enough money was raised that first year to install pipelines to now bring water into the city. The next year, the same group of citizens, came together and held a second event, which enjoyed the same success as the previous year in raising money to bring the firefighting efforts of the city into the modern era. And after that, well as they say, the rest is history. It was 85 years ago, when that group of concerned citizens organized themselves to become a nonprofit organization, which they called, most aptly because of that initial intention, the Wentzville Community Club. It was in this first “hands up” gesture that set the tone for the work that the Community Club continues to offer to this day. Among that first group of organizers of the club, and down through its history, there are many who went on to become city officials, continuing in that “helping others” spirit as it is expressed in the club’s motto: “Help us, help others.” As the city grew, the needs of the people grew. By working with other benevolent groups, the money raised through dances, dinners and the roller rink, which was the original purpose for the building that houses the club activities today, the Community Club has been a consistent component in helping to raise up a village into one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Back in the early 70’s, when the fundraising efforts were not as successful as they had once been, it was a club member who suggested the possibility of hosting a flea market. We are told there were four vendors at that first Sunday flea market. Today, 45 years later, on a warm Sunday in the summer, the market is often host to over 400 vendors. Among those vendors are non-profit groups like the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and the American Legion. In giving them the opportunity to offer food and drink to market visitors, they are able to raise money for their program needs. We see our mission as helping others, to help themselves. So this village, that I fell in love with on my first drive through a very simple downtown, has somehow managed to maintain that hometown feeling. For me, being a member of the Community Club has played no small part in keeping that feeling alive. I can stand in this present moment and look to that country road and see houses with families with the same hopes of raising a family in a “country” environment. I can stand at this point and see a community of people working together to create something good in their lives for the good of their families and the friends that share in that community. In looking to the future, the Community Club, with a history of 85 years, and the flea market a history of 45 years, is looking for new members to come join them in maintaining and building on the history that it has in this raising up a “village”. As seen in our past there is a “built-in” value that brings together a unified group of members.
All photos courtesy of the Wentzville Historical Society
Wentzville Community Club members (back row, from left) Mary Tow, secretary; Bob Fredricks, vice-president; Cyndi Lyons, treasurer; Marty Boland, board member; (front row, from left), Pat Orf, board member; Diana Boland, board member; Mary Staggs, board member and Leon Tow, president. Missing from the picture, Chris Boland, sergeant-at-arms.
Our past and current actions clearly state who we are and our intention in our volunteer effort. Join us as we move into the future, bringing along all of that good that we helped to create in the past. When I asked Diane who had been some of the biggest players in the club she said, “The board of directors have the biggest hand. Our past president, Leon Tow, just finished a two-year term as the president. Our current president, Bob Fredricks, who just took office, has been Leon’s vice-president and they have been a hardworking duo.” The Wentzville Community Club paints a picture of community togetherness, history being brought back to life, and a slew of folks who plan to take the club into the next generation. If you have any interest in helping keep history alive and intact in Wentzville, please consider joining this group of amazing people who work so hard to make Wentzville the place to live, the place to be, and the place to prosper. Thank you to Diane Ransom for her help in gathering photos and facts for this article. Between Diane and Mary Tow, the future of the club is in good hands. So, this year stop in and say hi; attend the flea market, or any event held at the club; volunteer your time to help a worthy cause; spread the word about this amazing piece of history that still sits in the heart of Downtown Wentzville. Just go see for yourself how great the club really is. Happy 85th Anniversary to the Wentzville Community Club! BY LAURIE SIMON
Laurie Simon lives in St. Peters with her husband and toddler son. When not rehabbing her home she enjoys weekends at the lake and spending time with family, friends and her two fur babies.
MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13
Medical Memo Advertorial
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TREAT
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Many people are self-conscious about showing their legs and think about having vein treatment when the weather begins to warm up and they begin thinking about wearing shorts and swimsuits, but the best time to seek treatment is during January and February. This is because it takes time to complete the treatment. Moreover, insurance companies usually require patients to complete a ninety-day compression stocking trial to prove to the company that the symptoms bother the patient enough to warrant the company to pay for the treatment. The companies consider the trial part of their criteria to determine which treatments are “medically necessary”. The best time to wear the compression stocking is in the cooler months. The medical insurance companies like Anthem, Aetna and United Healthcare hope patients will not comply with the stocking use so they won’t have to pay for their subscriber’s treatments.
636-614-1665 www.laserlipoandveins.com 14 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2018
Symptoms of venous insufficiency include: · Heaviness, aching, and tiredness · Swelling in the feet and ankles · Itching, burning, throbbing · Muscle cramps – Restless legs · Changes in skin texture or appearance
O’Fallon Center 830 Waterbury Falls Dr, Ste 202 O’ Fallon, MO 63368
St. Louis Center 2355 Dougherty Ferry Rd, #410 St. Louis, MO 63122
Automobile Alley
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HYUNDAI ACCENT
plenty of perks for car buyers on a budget When consumers consider a new car purchase, often the foundation within their buying strategy revolves around the criteria outlined with their intended budget. That said, Hyundai Motors is expressly reaching out to frugal car buyers with the introduction of their 2018 Accent, as the starting price point is $14,995. New, standard, no-extra-cost features on their entry level SE trim model include a color five-inch center dash mounted touchscreen/ audio system with built-in rear-view camera, hands free phone interface plus steering wheel mounted audio functions with integrated cruise controls. This sedan even has an actual spare tire, added interior sound deadening hush materials (to help reduce passenger cabin noise) as well as 15-inch all weather tires mounted on attractive wheels. Some 50 percent of the car’s body structure is constructed with advanced high strength steel coupled with the usage of some 323 ft. of essential bonding adhesives formulated to enhance various metal components to solidify as one. This has many benefits including making the car safer to drive as well as increasing Accent’s torsional rigidity by some 32 percent. Improved ride comfort, steering feel, handling and stability are achieved through key developments in the suspension system with engineering tweaks that motorist will appreciate. The exterior design of the redone Accent tends to exhibit an elevated level of automotive sophistication. The car’s sculpted body lines helps to deliver a totally new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language within the heavily competitive compact car segment.
Accent has an attractive cascading front grille of which is flanked by wraparound headlights and available LED signature daytime running lights. The roof profile has sharp character lines that run the length of the car. This design theme then transcends to the available slim LED wraparound taillights. Available features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirror LED turn signal indicators add to the upscale identity of the car. This body form is functional, achieving a balance between design and engineering. Aerodynamic improvements is yet another dividend with this model, as it now has a lowered coefficient of wind drag when compared to the previous generation. The newly redone Accent is slightly larger and has more interior room than past versions as well. The driver oriented passenger compartment has a modern and sophisticated look. The inviting layout has intuitive controls plus quality materials and premium technology features to raise the standard for subcompacts in general. This sedan also has above-class total interior volume – close to 104 cubic feet overall. Under the heading of safety, several improvements have been added for collision protection. The front crumple zones have been reworked to help manage crash energy protection plus the front side airbags have
been upgraded. The updated powertrain is tuned for better fuel efficiency and drivability. Their 1.6-liter four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injected engine produces 130-horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency numbers with the manual transmission show 28-MPG city/37-MPG highway. When outfitted with the automatic, it reflects 28-MPG city/38-MPG highway. Accent is sold in three trim levels for 2018, SE, SEL and Limited. Shipping charges are extra, it’s an additional $885. The vehicle is generally crossed shopped with the Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cruz, Honda Civic and the Kia Forte. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician, and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers. MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food Olive oil is a flavorful and versatile cooking oil that is often trusted in popular cooking methods such as sauteing, stir-frying, dressing, marinating and grilling. It can also earn your trust when it comes to baking. With seven olive oil varieties to fit almost any need, each Filippo Berio olive oil has its own distinct color, aroma and flavor characteristics. Among those seven, the Extra Light Olive Oil offers a delicate aroma and subtle flavor that can complement your favorite baked goods. Its high smoke point helps keep those goodies moist, and with strong flavors like chocolate, it also lets the sweetness come through.
Baking BETTER, HEALTHIER
Additionally, it provides high levels of mono-unsaturated fat (“good” fat) and low levels of saturated fat (“bad” fat), making it a more nutritional choice when compared to butter or margarine. Because you need less olive oil than butter in baking, you’ll save calories as well. One easy way to incorporate olive oil in your baked goods is during the prep work: where recipes call for buttering or flouring pans, instead brush the pan with olive oil and dust with flour for the same effect as butter. Explore more tips and recipes using olive oil at filippoberio.com.
Dark Chocolate Souffle Prep time: 10 minutes |Cook time: 18 minutes |Servings: 2
Avoid Olive Oil Enemies Maintain olive oil’s flavor and quality by avoiding exposure to heat, light and air. Be sure to store olive oil in a cool, dark place and not over or near the oven.
I ngredients: 1/2 tablespoon extra light olive oil, plus additional for coating pan 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus additional for coating pan 4 ounces 70 percent cocoa dark chocolate 1 ounce 30 percent heavy cream 3 egg whites 2 egg yolks pinch of cream of tartar Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Grease two 6-ounce ramekins
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with olive oil and dust with sugar. In double boiler, melt chocolate, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and cream; let cool. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Whisk egg yolks into cooled chocolate mixture; fold in egg whites, 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tartar. Pour into prepared ramekins; bake 15 minutes. Tips: This recipe can be easily doubled. Garnish with fresh berries, if desired.
For the Love of Food Double-Chocolate Biscotti Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 40
Double-Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Salted Chocolate Caramel Icing Recipe courtesy of Chef Sharon Sanders Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8-10 I ngredients: 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, extra light olive oil, divided, plus additional for coating pan 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon table salt 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup, plus 1/3 cup, mini dark chocolate chips, divided 1 cup canned dulce de leche flaky sea salt (optional) Directions: Position rack in center of oven and heat to 350 F. Lightly coat 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil and line bottom with parchment paper. Lightly coat parchment with olive oil.
In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in halfand-half, 1/2 cup olive oil and vanilla. With electric mixer, beat in egg until well blended. Scrape batter into prepared cake pan and sprinkle top with 1/4 cup mini chips. Bake cake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Place cake on cooling rack 10 minutes then turn cake out onto rack and let cool completely. In medium saucepan, heat dulce de leche over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add remaining olive oil and chocolate chips and stir until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Remove pan from heat. Transfer cake to serving plate. Pour icing over cooled cake, sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired, and serve.
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup extra light olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for coating pans 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk 1/3 cup milk 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate morsels Directions: On sheet of waxed paper, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside. Using electric mixer, beat olive oil with sugar until smooth and light. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until smooth. Add milk and vinegar; beat until smooth. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined. Stir in chocolate morsels with large spoon; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Heat oven to 325 F. Grease two large baking sheets with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil each. On lightly floured surface, divide dough into quarters. Roll each piece of dough into log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place logs on baking sheets, leaving space in between. Bake about 30 minutes, or until golden and set. Transfer to rack; let cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 F. On cutting board using serrated knife, cut each log into 3/4-inch-wide slices diagonally. Place slices, cutside down, on baking sheets. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until toasted. Transfer to racks; let cool. MARCH 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17
Photo Op
ST. LOUIS GOLF EXPO
Photographer Ray Rockwell ventured out to the St. Louis Golf Expo, held from Feb. 9-11 at the St. Charles Convention Center. This annual event features golf-related exhibitors and activities to get golf enthusiasts ready for spring. PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL
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Community Calendar
March 2 – Read Across America Day 3 – Washers tournament Competitive teams are needed for the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s Ninth Annual Washers Tournament at the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association Hall of Fame at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville. If you are at least 16 years of age, this is your chance to test your skills against the area’s best players as teams compete for cash prize in this double-elimination tournament. The event is co-sponsored by the Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club. Registration and practice time is from 10:30–11:45 a.m., the day of the event and teams will have the opportunity to practice pitching washers on the indoor court. The tournament begins at noon. Registration fee is $25 per team of two. All teams are guaranteed to play at least four games or two rounds. Each round consists of the best two out of three games. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top teams, with prize values dependent upon the number of teams entered. Spectators are welcome and food and drink is available for purchase. For more information about the washers tournament, call the parks department at 636-949-7535.
22-23 – Art show Crossroads Arts Council presents its fourth annual art show “SPANNING the generations: senior to senior.” This visual art show is open to all professional and non-professional artists, senior in high school to senior citizen from 5 - 8 p.m. both nights at Wentzville Community Club at 500 West Main Street in Wentzville. The show is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.crossroadsartscouncil.org. 24 – Easter egg hunt Lake Saint Louis Easter Egg Hunt takes place from 10 a.m. – noon at Founder’s Park at 7 Freymuth Rd. Children ages 10 and under may participate in the egg hunts. Following the egg hunts, there will be a visit from the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, horse rides, a petting zoo, face painters, balloon artists and sponsored activities for the children to enjoy. This event is free to the community and will be held rain or shine. For more information go to www.lakesaintlouis.com/parks. 30 – Good Friday
11 – Daylight Savings Time starts 17 – St. Patrick’s Day 20 – First Day of Spring
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Help the students in the FASTEST GROWING school district the State!
We’ve added 600+ new students every year, NOW we need to add more CLASSROOMS!
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Proposition E 2018 is a NO-TAX INCREASE Bond Issue for A new high school A new elementary school A new gym at Holt HS Classroom additions at 3 schools Paid for by Wentzville Schools Campaign Committee Matt Regan, Treasurer
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